Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearEvents & AwardsSep 12, 2025
Al Gilbertson Wins 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award
Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.
Former GIA CEO Susan Jacques (left) presented the 2025 Robert M. Shipley Award to industry veteran Al Gilbertson.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The American Gem Society (AGS) awarded its annual Robert M. Shipley Award to Al Gilbertson.
The award was given during a reception Tuesday at its inaugural Converge event, co-hosted with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The award is AGS’ highest honor and recognizes a lifetime of excellence in gemological research, education, and service to the industry.
Gilbertson has been a graduate gemologist through GIA and a certified gemologist through AGS since 1979.
For decades, he has worked to shape practice and theory in the gemological field, said AGS.
He also has decades of experience as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner.
In his early career, he worked on jewelry restoration, custom cutting, lapidary work, and appraisal services.
In 2000, Gilbertson joined GIA as a researcher.
He is a member of the GIA team that studies how proportions and other factors impact the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, working to develop a cut grading system for those shapes.
Gilbertson is also one of the inventors of GIA’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name can be found on several of the patents related to that system.
His book, “American Cut — The First 100 Years,” is “widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject,” said AGS.
Related stories will be right here …
The award was given during a reception Tuesday at its inaugural Converge event, co-hosted with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The award is AGS’ highest honor and recognizes a lifetime of excellence in gemological research, education, and service to the industry.
Gilbertson has been a graduate gemologist through GIA and a certified gemologist through AGS since 1979.
For decades, he has worked to shape practice and theory in the gemological field, said AGS.
He also has decades of experience as a jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner.
In his early career, he worked on jewelry restoration, custom cutting, lapidary work, and appraisal services.
In 2000, Gilbertson joined GIA as a researcher.
He is a member of the GIA team that studies how proportions and other factors impact the appearance of fancy-shaped diamonds, working to develop a cut grading system for those shapes.
Gilbertson is also one of the inventors of GIA’s cut grading system for round brilliant diamonds, and his name can be found on several of the patents related to that system.
His book, “American Cut — The First 100 Years,” is “widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject,” said AGS.
“Al’s impact on the gemological field is profound,” said Susan Jacques, the former CEO of GIA, who presented the award.
“His work is at the heart of how we evaluate the quality of a diamond’s cut. He brings curiosity, precision, and an enduring passion for excellence to every project, and his legacy will continue to guide gemological science for generations to come.”
“I’ve enjoyed my journey in this industry,” said Gilbertson in his acceptance speech. “I appreciate all the opportunities I’ve been given, and I encourage anybody who’s given opportunities to excel in this industry to take them and run with it.”
Gilbertson was raised in the lapidary gem cutting business, but he didn’t immediately join the family business.
He joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a Russian linguist stationed near Washington, D.C., from 1971 to 1974.
His father, Chester “Chet” Gilbertson passed away suddenly, and Al, an only child, was released from the U.S. Air Force to help his mother Ida run the family business, Gil’s Rock Shop, in Tehachapi, California.
In 1977, he joined McDonald Jewelers in Fresno, California as a custom gem cutter. He also worked in appraisals, sales, and management.
Later, he joined Tenbrook Jewelers as an appraiser and staff trainer at its locations in Albany, Newport, and Lincoln City in Oregon.
In 1987, with some encouragement from Marty Zell of Zell Brothers, Gilbertson founded Gem Profiles, an independent appraisal service in Portland, Oregon, that worked with more than 70 jewelers.
Gilbertson also owned Gilbertson Company, a platinum and goldsmithing company that specialized in custom jewelry manufacturing, restoration of period jewelry, custom fabrication, rendering, and model making.
Most recently, he has taught jewelry forensics courses at GIA.
“Al’s ability to bridge scientific precision with an understanding of diamond beauty has helped elevate our industry,” said Katherine Bodoh, CEO of the American Gem Society, in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to honor him.”
Gilbertson was also the recipient of the 2017 Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology from the Accredited Gemologists Association.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
